Reviews

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

The Illuminae Files book 3. Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781925266726
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Themes: Science Fiction; Warfare and conflict; Sabotage and Resistance; Technology; Artificial Intelligence; Space Travel. In this epic conclusion to the "Iluminae Files" series, we are again launched at warp speed into the phenomenal world of space conflict, where big business and humanity grapple for survival in the most extreme of environments. The fight-to-the-death battle rages between the forces to protect the interests of the corporation that has most to gain and opposed to them are the insurgents, the workers, teenagers and human faces that are just keen to survive. Linked within this conflict is the Artificial Intelligence voice and coding of AIDAN, whose 'personality' waxes and wanes between heroism, villainy and friendship. Is there a moral aspect to his AI actions, or is he programmed to act when no human could, and all in a world of complex code . . . with more than a hint of personality?
This book is told through the files, reports and documents gleaned from surveillance footage, text, messages, illustrations and computer logs and files that were made at the time of the conflict - all kept and compiled for posterity and for evidence of the 'good and the bad' events leading up to the final moments. The variety of text type formats to tell the story makes this a non-traditional narrative, and consequently this is not for the faint-hearted. This can be hard work at times, but the epic storyline and the incredible efforts and intelligence of the teenage heroes will make this a worthy escape for Sci-fi lovers. Even though I read the "Illuminae Files" book 2 some time ago, it did take me some time to reconnect all the intricacies of plot and characterisation that continue in three books. This series might be best read as a 'binge-read' in order to keep the complex threads in some order. YA readers will love this series, and will probably want to devour all three books in the series. The romantic interests of characters also make this appealing for female readers too, as it is not just an action-war story, set in space. The authors of this book have done an amazing job at writing a compelling series in a very different style of multi-format text communication.
[Note: An interesting technique of 'blacking out' all swearing in the book gives at least some credence to those who do not want this in YA fiction . . . but it is still patently clear what lies beneath the 'black blanket'! But I must credit publishers or authors with at least minimising the blatant impact of coarse and offensive language. ]
Recommended for Sci-fi lovers aged 15+
Carolyn Hull

My Girragundji by Meme McDonald and Boori Monty Pryor

I got a chicken for my birthday by Laura Gehl

Carolrhoda Books, 2018. ISBN 9781512431308
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. How would you like a chicken for your birthday? It could be good - fresh eggs and a friend to talk to. Maybe? Well not this chicken! Our young lady wanted tickets to the amusement park but she was sent a chicken by her grandmother. She tries to be excited and responsible. She feeds the chicken but the chicken wants cotton candy. She gets excited about fresh eggs but the chicken is too busy. Before she knows it, the chicken has stolen her dog and her cat and has written a huge list of wants - nails, wood, a horse, helmets, a bucket, a lamb, geese and milk. What is this chicken up to? Could this chicken turn out to be the worst gift ever?
"I Got a Chicken For My Birthday" is a hilarious and well illustrated picture book. The funny looking chicken is a great discussion point - is it like a real chicken, what is different about it, what is the same about it, are all chickens the same . . . . . Excellent for practising observation skills. Children can also make predictions about what the chicken is up to and create their own stories. The text is simple and easy to read, matching well with the illustrations. It is highly recommended for readers (and their carers) aged 5+ as well as independent readers aged 7+. You are never too old for a funny picture book.
Kylie Kempster

Good night stories for rebel girls 2 by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

Timbuktu, 2018. ISBN 9780997895827
(Age: 5 - Adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Women. Read aloud. Like Good night stories for rebel girls 1, this volume has 100 stories about women, some well known (Beyonce, Madonna) and many less well known (Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, Beatrice Vio). Each woman has a double page spread, one side with information about how the woman managed, some times overcoming great odds, to achieve their dreams. 60 different female artists have illustrated the book, and each fabulous portrait of the woman described adds to the reader's understanding of their personality.
The book is set out beautifully, each entry a joy to read, making it a book that is sure to be a keeper in any family's library. It was immediately grabbed when spotted in the bookshop by my 9 year old granddaughter, who already had and loved the first book. It is a book that responds to being read aloud as a bedtime story as the one page entries are just right for a short bedtime story with the story, the dates of birth and death, and the illustration providing great entry points for discussion. The book equally responds to having the reader pick out different inspiring women to read about silently.
The book will inspire all readers with its tales of real women from the past and the present, who have changed the world. It is sure to appeal equally to boys as well as girls as the information is not only informative but also written in a clear, interesting and easily accessible manner. Adults will find it equally fascinating as they read about women known and unknown to them (Agatha Christie, Sophia Loren).
Pat Pledger

Tom Gates: Biscuits, bands and very big plans by Liz Pichon

Tom Gates book 14. Scholastic, 2018, ISBN 9781742998183
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: School stories. Family life. Music. Art. Liz Pichon's award winning Tom Gates series returns for the fourteenth time in Biscuits, bands and very big plans. What a giant book, jam-packed with doodles that sprawl across the pages, curls and swirls, crazy characters, funny family members, zombies and so many opportunities to add your own doodles! Tom's running commentary on his school and home life is always humorous, his love for music and food shine through.
At break time Tom's class mates discuss their favourite songs and bands, One Dimension's 'Let's All Sing' is the most popular song. Marcus, Norman and Tom realise they need to write some new songs for their band 'DogZombies' and Tom's ideas of course are based on food - biscuits. Tom thinks their band needs a new look as well, not like the old bands he's seen in Delia's Rock Weekly magazines, singers wearing flares and big poodle hair. He's finding it difficult to return these magazines which he took without Delia knowing. Tom's sneaky foray also leads him into reading her diary and this causes some family tension leading to funny false information being shared with interesting consequences. Delia believes that the family's buying a new dog much to her horror.
Everyday events like band practice have that added extra touch of drama. Norman brings his little brother Alfie who turns out to be a whirling dervish, escape artist and mess maker when his rice shaker instrument explodes all over Tom's bedroom. Tom's coerced into singing in the school choir and after some initial concerns, he enjoys the experience, although wearing t-shirts spelling out the choir's name proves interesting.
Tom Gates: Biscuits, bands and very big plans brings back all the familiar characters and settings whilst upping the ante on silly situations, family fun and adding mega amounts of art. Liz Pichon's Tom Gates series is perfect for reluctant readers who enjoy stories told through visual representation.
Rhyllis Bignell

Jasper juggles jellyfish by Ben Long

Ill. by David Cornish. Ford Street, 2018. ISBN 9781925736038
(Age: 3-6) Themes: Rhyming book. Learning. Persistence. Jasper is a bit of a disinterested learner (dragging his tentacles off to school) and he would definitely rather juggle jellyfish than count them. Imagine his surprise when his learning to juggle (he wants to give up with this when it becomes too hard) also results in him learning to count.
Rich, shiny illustrations give an under-the-sea sheen but the illustrations falls a little flat, perhaps let down by Jasper the octopus not having a form that allows for any facial or bodily expression. This is disappointing as the story focuses heavily on Jasper's attitudes to learning, failure and success and while there is an attempt to counter this through the text ("He crumpled with a sigh") it doesn't quite hit the mark. The little jellyfish are more animated but they are secondary characters and singular faceted in their emotions.
The story is an important reminder to children that learning can be useful and fun and a nice reminder to parents and teachers that there is more than one way to learn and that children learn best when they are active participants engaging with the world around them.
Nicole Nelson

And my heart crumples like a coke can by Ali Whitelock

Wakefield Press, 2018. ISBN 9781743055342
(Age: Adult) Highly recommended. Poetry. The evocative title And my heart crumples like a coke can struck a chord with me, and I knew I was going to enjoy reading Whitelock's poems. Even the cover, with the image of the poet with the direct confrontational gaze, drew me in. If you read down the contents page, there is sure to be something to pique your curiosity - 'what you must do you must keep your mouth shut', 'please do not pee in the sink', 'let me eat cake and go quietly to seed' attracted me. Other readers may be drawn to the poem about the dog with arthritis, or the friend's vagina, or making a chocolate cake, or dead man farting. The themes of the poems grapple with aspects of life most of us have experienced - death and grief, love, lies and infidelity, illness, having babies or not having them, therapy, racism, unexpected friendships.
The language pours out like a rant, it is blunt, there is swearing. There are also amazing images like the crumpled coke can. There is minimal punctuation, no capitals or full stops, but as you read the lines, you realise there is a structure; the broken sentence with the carefully placed word on the next line is almost like the staggered emphasis of rap poetry.
The language pours out but it is crafted; Whitelock says that writing a poem could take 'one week or fifty-two it depends'. And in the poem about the not-friend in the fish and chip shop she describes the process as 'haemorrhaging internally while reaching for the light'. There is beauty and harshness together.
It is a slim book, easy to pick up, read, and return to again. My husband, who does not usually read poetry but happened to pick it up, has his bookmark at a different page to mine. We're taking turns reading.
Helen Eddy

Hello to you, Moon by Sally Morgan

Ill. by Sonny and Biddy. Little Hare, 2017. ISBN 9781760125462
(Age: 3-5) When little people draw the curtains on the day, snuggle down and close their eyes, little do they know that a whole different world is waking up.
From the fading of the light through to the twinkling black and on until the dawning of the new day, as the constellations shift across the heavens and Moon completes its journey for another night, across the world nocturnal creatures are getting on with their lives, each paying homage to that timeless orb that will outlast and outlive them as it has done for generations of their forbears. From the kangaroo coughing at the moon at dusk in an Australian desert, to the jungles of Asia where sun-bears snuffle and grunt and to the still silence of the extra-long Antarctic night where penguins scurry and honk, the planet is populated by species that prefer the cool light of the moon to the bright heat of the sun. And while not all of them are strictly nocturnal, nevertheless all respond to the moon through movement and sound that little ones will like to mimic.
Stunningly illustrated in the details, textures and colours of the night, and building as a counting story, author and illustrators have brought the after-dark to life introducing the youngest readers to the nocturnal world in a way that will make them want to learn more about what else is up and about while they sleep and why they choose dark over light. It may also encourage curiosity about the Moon - why does it change shape; where does it go in the daytime; why can we sometimes see it in the day and not at night - but my favourite activity is to get them to listen to the sounds of night falling and imagine those things that are tucking themselves in for the night as they are and those things that are waking and greeting their new 'day'.
Formal teaching notes are available.
Barbara Braxton

Spirit by Cherri Ryan

Ill. by Christina Booth. Black Dog Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925381771
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Perseverance, Imagination, Adventure A powerfully emotive tale of trying again is told in spare prose, augmented with detailed digital illustrations, sure to attract younger children alive with curiosity about their world, and unwilling to give in at the first hurdle.
The young girl builds a boat from scraps around her house. She sets it to sail in the pond in the garden and is delighted when it gets to the other side of the little sea. That night she dreams of oiling its deck and scrubbing the sails and wonders how far it will sail the next day. It gets across the little rivulet into her arms. The next night she dreams again of polishing the deck and tightening the sails and sets it off the next morning across a river. Each night she dreams of what might be, and the next day she tries the boat out, each time successfully. All readers will know that something will happen to upset the routine when reading the story with its repeated phrases but will still be concerned when the boat comes asunder in the larger river.
What the young girl does next will gladden the hearts of the readers, as they experience a setback in the girl's dreams, but know that she will try again. This is a wonderfully positive story to read with young children, reaffirming the reality of not always being successful but encouraging them to try again.
Children will love following the adventure of the little boat in the illustrations, going from the pond to the rivulet then the larger river with its hazards, larger reeds and blackening skies. Christina Booth is an author illustrator and was awarded an Honour book for "Kip" in the CBCA awards.
Cherri Ryan has a background in medicine and is always impressed with children coping with change.
Fran Knight

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

Arc of a Scythe book 2. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406379532
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Themes: Science fiction, Death, Assassination, Artificial intelligence. In the sequel to the award winning Scythe, Rowan has gone rogue, turning himself into the assassin Scythe Lucifer, taking down corrupt scythes, while Citra working with Scythe Curie, wants to stop the corruption from inside. Meanwhile the Thunderhead looks on, seemingly unwilling to halt the decline of the Scythedom although working with Greyson Tolliver to protect Citra from attacks. There is an increasing division among the new and old order of scythes and all of humanity is threatened.
The story of Citra and Rowan unfolds in alternate chapters, with a section at the beginning of each told in the words of the Thunderhead, leaving the reader wondering in suspense whether this all mighty intelligence will intervene to stop the problems that the world is facing. The action moves along at a cracking pace, the reader left breathless hoping that the main characters will survive assassination attempts, imprisonment and isolation. At the same time there is great character development, Citra begins to show her intelligence, compassion and integrity as she prepares people for gleaning, while Rowan continues as a merciless vigilante, still believing in the Scythedom. The addition of Greyson Tolliver as a conduit to the Thunderhead also adds to the plot line, which is complex and thought provoking.
Big questions are examined in "Thunderhead": the perils of immortality, the ethics of gleaning, and the power of artificial intelligence, all wrapped up in stunning action. A mind blowing cliff-hanger of a conclusion that is totally unexpected, will have fans eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. Fans of Martha Wells' "Murderbot" series and Jay Kristoff's "Lifel1k3" will enjoy this book.
Pat Pledger

Kid Normal and the Rogue Heroes by Greg James and Chris Smith

Ill. by Erica Salcedo. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408884553
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Theme: Adventure, Humour. A fast-paced humorous adventure with likeable heroes and outrageous capers, this is another cracking adventure for Murph and the Super Zeroes battling a truly evil supervillain and one not so evil sidekick. I am impressed with this sequel. It jumps straight into the action, as the Super Zeroes thwart a jewel thief with ease. It keeps up the pace with an exciting premise and twists and turns every few chapters, moving the story forward. The Super Zeroes think they're in for a quiet second year at the School, but the most dangerous supervillain (or Rogue Hero) of them all has other ideas. No-one has been able to go near Magpie in 30 years for fear of having their power stolen, so when Magpie summons Kid Normal to his top-security prison cell, The Alliance seizes the opportunity to glean new information on his crimes. The visit seems unfruitful, and frankly, a massive let-down, but Murph is convinced there must be more to know. A nonsense poem and a bit of digging lead the gang on their most important mission yet.
The book strikes a great balance between plot and Greg and James's (authors) wonderful brand of humour. The jokes fit in very well and add much needed lightness and fun. They have managed to continue to narrate in their unique style.
A great story to read aloud to children. Character development is another appealing element of "Kid Normal". Murphy and his friends all mature significantly. They learn actions can have serious consequences and build on their friendships formed in the debut book. We also learn much more about the adults of the Kid Normal Universe and their pasts as well. Even grumpy, shouty Mr. Flash gets the chance to show he's not a totally unreasonable buffoon. This makes the book rich and well rounded.
Overall, a fabulously fun story.
Donna Isgar

Fart monster and me : The new school by Tim Miller and Matt Stanton

ABC Books, 2018. ISBN 9780733338939
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Tim Miller and Matt Stanton have produced a series ("Fart Monster and Me") that will entice and engage young readers; especially boys; through their toilet humour, hilarious and simple illustrations and easy to follow storyline. The chapters are short enough to keep reluctant readers on task, but they utilise lots of the frequently used words they will know with a few challenges mixed in for good measure. This combination enabled my son to really enjoy actually reading this book, not having it read to him. This particular episode deals with transition to a new school and the prospects of being embarrassed on your first day. Will the kids believe that the stink was not caused by Ben but by his Fart Monster?
The toilet humour is a real winner for kids from ages 5 and up (and some adults!), with loud farts, green gas clouds, and even the silent but deadly fart getting a mention. Mr 8 couldn't help but smile and enjoyed the book as you can see in his review.
I really enjoyed the illustrations too, as although they are simple line outlines, they have personality and add a lot to the story. The text is very clear, without changes to font size and style, and with appropriate line spacing to assist young readers. This is extremely helpful for children of all reading levels and abilities.
This book gets 5 out of 5 for its humour, ability to draw in reluctant readers and fantastic collaborative writing by these two well-known authors. A must-read for all fart loving children out there.
Lauren Fountain

Chalk boy by Margaret Wild

Ill. by Mandy Ord. Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781760630683
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Themes: Visual literacy, Homelessness, Community, Social isolation. Bernard draws a boy in chalk on the pavement outside a busy railway station in the city. People are brushing past from all angles, hardly noticing the pavement artist as he works. Heedless of what is happening, some of the crowd eventually stop from looking at their mobile phones or drinking their coffee, and watch the boy come to life. They crowd around, taking snaps on their phones, eventually drifting off to their destinations.
Bernard reminds the boy that life is ephemeral, but he does not care, as life is wonderful
That night it begins to rain, and the chalk boy begins to fade. Bernard hears his cry for help and covers him until morning, when he will do one last picture.
This thought provoking scenario, full of reminders of the shortness of life, of the necessity for people to connect, will draw in readers as they see the implied criticism of our daily lives: rushing from one place to another, neglectful of what is going on around us, unable to see those in need in front of our eyes.
As the boy asks for help when it begins to rain, people walk over him, one man taking a selfie with the railway station behind him, others rugged up against the weather, intent on getting home, the plight of the boy beneath their feet ignored.
Cartoonist and graphic comic writer, Ord has a visual freshness, a darkly confident cartoon like style which will appeal to readers. They will readily see the variety of people shown in her work, appreciate the criticism of modern life and sympathise with the street artist, whose work is ignored. Each page displays aspects of modern life in a city, and readers will readily share what they see.
Award winning author of children's books, Margaret Wild often surprises with her deeply felt stories of the way we are and this will make every reader stop and take notice.
Fran Knight

Wish you were here by Michelle Blackbird

Vanguard Press, 2018. ISBN 9781784654320
(Age: 14 +) Highly recommended. Genre: Historical fiction, WW 2. This is the story of two girls in the Netherlands caught up in World War 2 and the German occupation. Michaela's story starts at the end of the war. She begins her new life after being in hiding and faces the challenges of freedom, school, and friendships. She struggles in trying to understand about what really happened during the holocaust as she begins her new life in freedom.
Hannie and her family were captured during the war and sent to a concentration camp. Her story is touched on briefly as she faces the horrors of the time. This is very challenging to the reader, and we can feel the despair of Hannie and her family.
Two girls, two different pathways during the same war. This compelling story not only gives you an understanding of the time but shows us the strength the girls needed in facing the challenges ahead of them.
I enjoyed this very moving story and readers who have loved the "Diary of Anne Frank" will find this a must read.
Links with "Diary of Anne Frank"
Rating 9/10
Debra Pepper

Losing the Girl by Marinaomi

Life on Earth Book 1. Graphic Universe, 2018. ISBN 9781512449105
(Age: older teens) Themes: Graphic novel, Relationships, pregnancy, friendship. Part one introduces us to Nigel Jones, a likeable skateboarding boy living with his mum, dealing with his parents' separation while trying to find a girlfriend. The graphic style is simple and expressive, particularly Nigel's hair. Small details like action indicators, unusual perspectives and individual text types add depth and interest. Nigel asks Emily for a date and she asks him if there is a serious side to his joking around. They quickly get closer and he asks her if she is a virgin. They discover they are both virgins and kiss. Part two is from Emily's perspective. She confesses to her friend Paula that she wants to lose her virginity to someone more memorable, like older boy Brett Hathaway. The strong black and white graphic style comes into its own at a party where Emily's increasing emotional instability under the influence of alcohol and Brett Hathaway is effectively expressed in how she is drawn. She does lose her virginity and becomes pregnant. Older sisters and friends help clarify her options but the emotional roller coaster is vividly expressed. As the abortion approached Emily retreats more and more into herself until she is a brief outline. Friendships are tested and some harsh lessons are learnt. Part three is from Brett Hathaway's point of view. Secretly in love with Joanna who wants to be just friends he learns about Emily's abortion and goes to see her. The softer grey washes are expressive, but not as engaging as the previous styles. The Fourth section is from Paula Navarro's perspective. Emily's not so attractive friend, draws her own narrative in her own sketchy style. Scarred by her own abusive relationship with Darren, she is unable to support Emily as she too is attracted to Brett and her story is infused with guilt and jealousy. The end is complex, incorporating colour for the first time and returning to a thread about a missing student who may have been abducted by aliens! "Losing the Girl" is a complex interweaving of perspectives on the lives of ordinary suburban teens told through their own relatable voices. We are led to feel their awkward moments and mundane concerns interleaved with life changing decisions in a sophisticated graphic presentation. Teens will find this appealing though the sex and one incident of smoking drugs might preclude younger readers. It will have wider appeal than graphic novel fans, especially readers from non-English speaking backgrounds and less literate students.
Sue Speck